For My Family
A good friend
told me
her family
no longer
celebrates birthdays
with gifts.
Because they grew weary
of failed expectations
they have canceled
birthday observances.
I want to be sure
you know
I do not feel
the same way.
********
by Lori Lipsky
photo credit: istockphoto/Creativeye99

In Honor of the Widow Seated Alone at the Restaurant On her Birthday by Lori Lipsky
Their son found a wife
Began married life
His career took him far away
Their next flew west
He deemed it the best
For him and his family
Their girl met a man
Transferred to Japan
Pursued him across the sea
Their youngest moved north
He was the fourth
Some grand opportunity
Mom and Dad and no other
Though they loved one another,
Their children had all moved away.
Grandbabies were born
It caused them to mourn
They couldn’t afford to visit
Good intentions, well meant,
Photos were sent,
But then Dad grew ill and died
Now mom lives alone
Connects on the phone
Her children are spread worldwide
Her birthday was hard,
One kid sent a card
One called and wished her well
No cake, no caring
Her ache unsparing,
Her kids all live far away.
***********

The first five stanzas were submitted to and published by Pegasus Review in April 2011 under a different title.

I have plans to eat out with my husband for my birthday today. We’ll be talking about our girls, I’m sure. Our youngest moved out of the house on Thursday to attend college a few states away in Missouri. Our oldest moves to Georgia in a couple of weeks. The empty nest days begin…